SP Energy Networks has announced the launch of a works to install new electricity cables to support the roll out of rapid electric vehicle charging at Knutsford services.

Improving access to EV charging will help electrical and hybrid vehicle owners have easier journeys and encourage more people to make the change to electrical vehicles. This is an important step in meeting Net Zero North West's goal to be the UK's first net zero region by 2040.

The new cables we are installing have been funded by Ofgem's Green Recovery Investment vehicle. This will see more than £60m invested in our distribution networks across England, Scotland and Wales to accelerate the UK's transition to Net Zero and support a green economic recovery from Covid-19.

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To install the new underground cables, we will be carrying out roadworks in parts of Knutsford. To minimise disruption to residents and shoppers, the work will be completed in sections. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during various stages of the work.

We are expecting to start this work on Monday 15 August. As the project progresses, it will involve some temporary road closures on Lilac Avenue, Acacia Avenue, Tabley Grove, Stanley Road, Gaskell Avenue, Bexton Road, Toft Road and Adams Hill.

Diversions will be put in place and clearly signposted and access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times during the closures. All the work being undertaken, along with the associated traffic management plans, has been approved by Cheshire East Council.

Liam O'Sullivan, our SP Manweb Licence Director, said: "We are committed to completing this vital upgrade work with as minimal disruption for customers as possible. We'd like to thank residents in advance for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"Our work is crucial in creating new electrical capacity to support the installation of rapid EV chargers. As more and more people move to electric and hybrid vehicles, easy access to charging facilities will be increasingly important. We're pleased to be making a positive contribution in helping the region achieve its goals for net zero and low carbon travel."